Today is the solemnity of the feast of Annunciation which heralds the beginning of a new era, the era of our redemption. This new era of salvation becomes flesh in Mary’s womb. Why was Mary chosen to be the Mother of God? Her life was simple. She learned to do the tasks that other girls of her age learned: those needed to be a good homemaker. There was nothing extraordinary about her external life.
One day, Angel Gabriel comes to her with a unique message. When the angel tells about her extraordinary conception by the power of the Holy Spirit, despite the initial bafflement, she responds, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” What treasures of grace lie concealed in Mary’s attitude!
Mary’s response contains a total self-surrender of her life to God’s will, the secret of her deep spirituality. Her total surrender to God and His Will, in turn, results in receiving the grace and sanctification she needs, to do what God asks of her.
How can we imitate Mary in our encounters with God, as we plow through our daily activities and anxious moments? The answer, I believe is a total surrender anchored on our fiat. A surrender that leads to realign our lives according to God’s plan as Mother Mary did. It’s not our dreams and wants, not our plans and calculations but God’s will that should triumph. When we realign our lives and turn toward God, He fills us with a resilient strength far beyond our comprehension.
In the Annunciation, God establishes a link between heaven and earth through Mary. She is the human being who best, after Jesus, exemplifies the potentialities of human beings. She shows how an ordinary human being can reflect God in the ordinary circumstances of life, especially in our families and in times of need. She exemplifies what each of us is meant to become. She manifests what the Incarnation is meant to accomplish in the new era.
As you continue your reflection on today’s readings and the feast of Annunciation, in the context of the corona pandemic, I invite you to reflect on this global crisis in the light of Mary's example as a person of faith, her response to the seven sorrows of her life, her responsibility to bring about the new era of Christ, and its continuity through her constant intercession, especially by praying the Rosary.
For addition reading: Announcement of the Birth of Jesus
Father Jilson's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
To view the daily homily and Rosary prayer streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
